wait for me [illumi zoldyck]

56. When I Was Younger

Mia

Years ago, if anyone told me that one day I'd be sitting across a table from two magic-wielding immortals in a realm between Heaven and Hell, I would tell them they sounded absolutely ridiculous. Yet here I am, as a spirit, sitting across the table from two magic-wielding immortals in a realm between Heaven and Hell.

Kyser and Cyrus watch each other with an odd expression. Neither of them has spoken since Kyser suggested we all move the conversation to the table over some tea. They are clearly uncomfortable with one another, considering that they have both always held such hostile regard for the other. I can't imagine how many years it has been since they last been able to obligingly collude like so. 

I find it rather amusing watching the two feel so uncomfortable, sipping the chamomile tea that Kyser just finished serving.

Kyser clears his throat, turning his attention to me. "Is the tea to your liking, darling?" he smiles widely, watching me sip the drink. I nod my head shifting my attention down the porcelain teacup in my hand. Kyser knows I like tea, chamomile especially. In fact, we had a conversation about it just the other day over breakfast.

"She has a fiancé, don't delude yourself by calling her those endearing names," Cyrus glares from across the table. He doesn't bother to touch the tea that Kyser served him only moments ago. Instead, he sits back in his chair, leaning against the armrests with ease.

I look between the two men, unsure of where this sudden outburst arose from. Kyser has always called me endearing names, and I've never thought much of it, assuming it is just a part of his eccentric personality. He is clearly trying to annoy Cyrus, knowing that he would react in such a manner.

I look toward Cyrus.

He has not shared anything with me, since before. However, a nagging part of me secretly already knows what he wants to tell me.

Are you family?

I cannot bring myself to ask. Not with Kyser and Cyrus glaring so intensely at each other.

"Kyser," I peep in, drawing the attention of the purple-eyed immortal. "Would it be alright if I speak with Cyrus alone?"

Kyser looks taken aback. There is a sliver of hurt behind his eyes, which only I catch. Unlike Cyrus, whose expression does not waver, his gaze still resting upon the other immortal.

It's not that I do not trust Kyser, but I have a feeling that he will only hinder Cyrus's willingness to talk to me freely. He understands this just as much as I do.

Kyser stands from his chair, giving me a lasting look before disappearing into thin air. I know that he has likely teleported himself to his wing, close enough to help me if need be. I am grateful that he did not put up a fight to stay by me. It is for the better.

Cyrus looks down at his fingers which rest on his lap. Unlike moments ago, the all-powerful immortal before me holds a nervous demeanor. He fiddles with something in his hands, refusing to look up. I catch sight of something gold but cannot make out what it is exactly.

"I have a feeling that there's something important you need to share with me," I say softly, watching Cyrus tense up in his seat.

I used to be so scared of this man. His height alone is unimaginably intimidating. Yet, suddenly all of that does not matter anymore. I cannot tell if his uneasiness should be amusing or unsettling to me.

"I fear you will come to resent me if I tell you everything," Cyrus admits, finally looking up. His golden eyes are filled with angst and desperation, completely unfiltered and honest. 

"What is it?" I ask quietly, my brows coming together in confusion. He speaks as though he has committed some sort of atrocity.

Cyrus quickly looks back down at his hands, biting the inside of his cheek. It unnerves me to see him act so restlessly. He reaches his hand out, over the table, placing a golden necklace on the table in front of me. I stare at it, trying to decipher its significance.

"I gave this to your great-grandmother almost 80 years ago, when I asked her to marry me," Cyrus says. "Together we had one child, Rhea, your grandmother."

My attention snaps back up to him, from the necklace on the table. He continues.

"There were certain circumstances which forced Rene and I to stay away from you and your mother throughout both of your childhoods, which is why we weren't able to be with you," Cyrus rambles on nervously. It's the oddest sight, watching this man feel so anxious to speak to me. 

"Cyrus-"

"What I'm trying to say is that I can understand if you feel bitterly towards me for being absent throughout your life, but please don't hold any animosity for Rene. You couldn't imagine how much she has been looking forward to meeting you since the day you were born. It is entirely my fault that she wasn't able to be by your side."

"Cyrus!" I stand from my seat, rounding the table until I am at his side. I can't help but feel a sense of urgency to comfort the man in front of me. The golden-eyed immortal shuts up. I reach out and grab Cyrus's fidgety hands, holding them tightly within my own. 

Cyrus is my great-grandfather. It's something I knew, deep down within me, ever since Kyser shared his memories with me. And now that it's out in the open, I can't help but feel a strange sense of numbness. I'm not sure how to act anymore.

"My child, you're crying," Cyrus breathes, reaching up to brush my cheeks with the back of his hand. I did not even notice that I had been crying.

His touch is so endearing, something I've barely ever felt from my own father. It fills a part of my heart that I never knew had been missing. 

"Please don't say things like that. I could never hate you or Rene," I sniffle, still holding onto his hand tightly. "I don't blame either one of you for anything. So, please don't think that way."

Cyrus reaches out, pulling me into his strong arms. I don't hesitate to wrap my arms around him, closing my eyes tightly. I feel comforted, knowing that this man is family. He will protect me.

"I wanted to tell you from the moment I met you, but I feared you would only push me away," Cyrus explains. "I'm sorry for scaring you back then."

I pull away from the embrace, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "It's alright. I'm just glad you told me," I murmur.

There's a moment of silence, where neither of us says anything.

"I met Illumi," Cyrus muses, smiling gently. "He met with your great-grandmother and me. In fact, he's with Rene right now."

I don't even try to hide the look of surprise on my face. Illumi told me that he was searching for my great-grandmother, back when we spoke through the water mirror. And now that he has, I'm unsure of what's next.

Cyrus leans back in his chair. "Mia, I would like to take you to them. Back to Illumi and Rene, I mean," he explains.

I feel overjoyed. The thought of finally being able to go back to the mortal realm, to be with Illumi, is a dream come true.  I'll finally be able to meet Rene, who I'd only ever heard stories of from my mother. I would like nothing more than that. 

However, I can't help but feel a little sad. Going back would mean that I'd be leaving Kyser all alone. He's taken care of me for months now, keeping me safe from the dangers of the immortal realm. And now that it's come time to leave, I can feel a dismal emotion beginning to waver within me.

"I'd love that more than anything," I smile brightly.

++

Ahh, he finally told her!! 

What did you guys think about this chapter? I'd love to hear your thoughts. As I've mentioned before, I read each and every one of your comments, so feel free to share your opinion!

Don't forget to leave a little vote!

zacarak